OTTAWA — The Franklin County area will get hammered the hardest when a powerful storm packing freezing rain and ice hits the northern part of the state this weekend. The National Weather Service office in Topeka predicts the storm will drop a half-inch of ice Saturday and Sunday on much of the state. However, Franklin County could see an inch of ice because the storm, which will sweep in from the south, will start here a day earlier, with the heaviest accumulation of ice Saturday afternoon and Sunday, said weather service forecaster Jennifer Prieto. A winter storm watch goes into effect for this area for the entire weekend beginning at noon Friday. If conditions get as bad as predicted, people should stay at home, said Franklin County emergency management director Alan Radcliffe. Road conditions are forecast to deteriorate as early as Friday afternoon, he said. However, if people must drive they should always check the weather and road conditions and be prepared for the worst. Be sure to have a charged cell phone, extra blankets and kitty litter for extra traction. “Just be prepared before you go anywhere this weekend,” Radcliffe said. Some area schools have started to shorten or cancel classes for Friday. Be sure to check KOFO’s list of cancellations.
Thursday, Jan. 12, 3 p.m.
